Starting a Workplace Revolution

In this profound Disney Pixar short film, a new employee named Purl experiences an onboarding process that almost ruins her self-esteem, before sparking a workplace revolution.

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On her first day at B.R.O. Capital, Purl feels optimistic about making new friends and cultivating a promising career. However, she is unprepared for the predominately male work environment that subtly, yet conspicuously, excludes her due to her differences. Purl's coworkers had anticipated someone just like themselves, and when they see that Purl is both outwardly and inwardly different, text messages begin circulating throughout the building. Before she knows it, someone is talking about her without ever been introduced.

During the morning staff meeting, Purl tries to assert herself and share her ideas, which are promptly dismissed and rejected by the group. As lunchtime approaches, jokes with hidden meanings continue, and Purl is not even invited to join her team for lunch. Left alone with her thoughts and experiences, Purl ponders how she can earn the respect of her coworkers.

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Later on, away from her team Purl does some literal stitching to conform herself like her peers in the office, that's how bad she wants to feel included. Purl is now part of the "pantsuit crew," drinking coffee, and cracking offensive jokes. Purl feels empowered to share ideas that are aggressive vs empathetic and potentially destructive to organizational relationships. Deep down purl knows this is harmful but her false sense of inclusion feels too good to care about the bigger picture.

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Before the end of the business day, Purl and her colleagues decided to put work aside and head to a nearby social venue, with Purl as the "life of the party." Just before they got on the elevator, another new employee arrived to settle into their workspace, and Purl saw herself in reflection of this newcomer. She noticed the looks her team members were giving the new employee and, instead of allowing the hidden jokes to continue, Purl introduced herself and invited the new colleague out to dinner with the team.

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Purl demonstrated tremendous leadership and initiated a workplace revolution! Her courageous and selfless actions inspired her team members to follow the courageous suit, and they began cultivating an environment where everyone could bring their whole selves to work. Within months of her employment, Purl became a champion of workplace culture.

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?This short film, created by Disney Pixar, serves a purpose beyond showcasing their creativity in design and wishful thinking. It addresses a very REAL situation that exists EVERYWHERE, highlighting the need for increased awareness. Workplace culture is critical to our sense of self and significantly influences our potential to enhance the quality of life for ourselves and our families.

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Many of us experience the unseen pressures of bullying, conformity, hierarchy, and bureaucracy, but when these issues remain invisible, we often leave them unaddressed. Ignoring these feelings fosters a culture, community, and nation that tolerates such behaviors that ultimately strip away our overall well-being.

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If you feel compelled to nudge your senior executive, HR director, or manager to consider this message, don't hesitate, take the initiative! Just like in the film "Purl," you never know if you might be the beginning of a workplace revolution.

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?p.s. Purl is a pink ball of yarn; realistically Purl has no sex/ gender for visual enhancements, Purl's identity and pronouns are inferred.

Created by

JenDina Bowers ?????? | Workplace Impact Partner, Sky Infiniti